The "Sam Aiken Experience" late last sason was proof enough that the Pats need another legit outside threat opposite Moss, and Tate has the talent excel in the role. Rookie Taylor Price is projected to be the fifth receiver, with Julian Edelman handling a jack-of-all-trades role as the No. 4. The squeeze is on for Torry Holt's roster spot.
Source: ESPN Boston + Rotoworld.com

Looks like I may be wrong about Torry Holt. Edelman showed us something last year, but if Tate and Price continue to impress, Holt won't make the team. It's too bad because I've always liked Holt as a player.

The "Sam Aiken Experience" late last sason was proof enough that the Pats need another legit outside threat opposite Moss, and Tate has the talent excel in the role. Rookie Taylor Price is projected to be the fifth receiver, with Julian Edelman handling a jack-of-all-trades role as the No. 4. The squeeze is on for Torry Holt's roster spot.
Source: ESPN Boston + Rotoworld.com

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I'm surprised that Tate is being considered for number 3 over julian edelman. this kid must be really good. in fact, before he blew out his knee in college, he was better than ex-teammate Hakeem Nicks, who is now with the midgets.

I'm surprised that Tate is being considered for number 3 over julian edelman. this kid must be really good. in fact, before he blew out his knee in college, he was better than ex-teammate Hakeem Nicks, who is now with the midgets.

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It's because Tate can play on the outside. Edelman is more of a slot guy.

I'm surprised that Tate is being considered for number 3 over julian edelman. this kid must be really good. in fact, before he blew out his knee in college, he was better than ex-teammate Hakeem Nicks, who is now with the midgets.

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It isn't/shouldn't be just a matter of skill, but of skill set. Tate can do different things than Edelman can, and is more suited to be an outside/deep threat than Julian is.

I'm surprised that Tate is being considered for number 3 over julian edelman. this kid must be really good. in fact, before he blew out his knee in college, he was better than ex-teammate Hakeem Nicks, who is now with the midgets.

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IMO Tate might be called on more when we go 3 wide but I think between Edelman subing for Wes, His chances in 3 wide, his slot role in 4 and 5 wide, and his jack of all trades RB role (whatever that winds up as) he may end up with more reps but this is certainly one of the more intriguing competitions in camp.

Unlike a few years ago with Stallworth and Gaffney I think these guys bring different skill sets to the table that will allow them both to complement Moss and Welker better than Gaffney and Stallworth who more or less complemented them at seperate times (stallworth getting most of his reps early and gaffney taking over late).

Hopefully they can block like Gaffney did. I was sad to see him go, he was a beast getting on DB's on screens and the like.

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Don't know if they'll be good at blocking, but the new guys will be better receivers. Even though Hernandez isn't a WR, he's going to be that annoying Dallas Clark type receiver that always seems to get open.

Don't know if they'll be good at blocking, but the new guys will be better receivers. Even though Hernandez isn't a WR, he's going to be that annoying Dallas Clark type receiver that always seems to get open.

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I would tend to think just based on experience Gaffney would be much better of a blocker than Tate or Edelman but I am also going on out on a limb and saying that Hernandez is a better blocker than Gaffney and having an Hback on the field for screens has to be better than a WR.

Why don't people recognize that Holt canoplay both inside and outside, and with experience and knowlege of how to run the routes.

One can remember all those slants and crossing patterns, and quick outs he made with Warner hitting him, and than, all of a suddena move and "poof" he's gone on a deep post or fly.

Holt needs to me on the roster for his knowledge and the threat he can be with Moss on the outside andf Welker in the slot, or Holt in the slot with Moss and Tate split. Tough for defenses to handle, moreso if you put Edelman in as the wildcard back, too.

Why don't people recognize that Holt can play both inside and outside, and with experience and knowlege of how to run the routes.

One can remember all those slants and crossing patterns, and quick outs he made with Warner hitting him, and than, all of a sudden a move and "poof" he's gone on a deep post or fly.

Holt needs to me on the roster for his knowledge and the threat he can be with Moss on the outside andf Welker in the slot, or Holt in the slot with Moss and Tate split. Tough for defenses to handle, moreso if you put Edelman in as the wildcard back, too.

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I dont think anyone is trying to knock Holt just being realistic when they see 5 guys on the depth Moss, Welker, Edelman, Tate, and Price.

While at this point in time Holt might be better than Edelman, Tate, and/or Price you have to look at the big picture and all 3 look like they would out perform Holt over the course of 3 or 4 seasons. Not to mention all 3 or at least 2 of the 3 may actually have passed him already. Basically it is the potential of youth for the future vs Holt for the now. IMO because of the lack of depth at WR last year I think we carry 6 or even 7 when you consider STers like Aiken and Slater (these 2 are likely fighting for one or two STs spots along with DB STers)

Why don't people recognize that Holt can play both inside and outside, and with experience and knowlege of how to run the routes.

One can remember all those slants and crossing patterns, and quick outs he made with Warner hitting him, and than, all of a sudden a move and "poof" he's gone on a deep post or fly.

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Because all of that happened along time ago, Warner and Holt haven't played together since '01. Holt is not the same same player he was then. Yeah can still run patterns, but he has lost more than one step and there have been questions in camp about if he can still get separation.

If Tate plays half as well in games as he has in camp, Holt will not see the field very much.

I dont think anyone is trying to knock Holt just being realistic when they see 5 guys on the depth Moss, Welker, Edelman, Tate, and Price.

While at this point in time Holt might be better than Edelman, Tate, and/or Price you have to look at the big picture and all 3 look like they would out perform Holt over the course of 3 or 4 seasons. Not to mention all 3 or at least 2 of the 3 may actually have passed him already. Basically it is the potential of youth for the future vs Holt for the now. IMO because of the lack of depth at WR last year I think we carry 6 or even 7 when you consider STers like Aiken and Slater (these 2 are likely fighting for one or two STs spots along with DB STers)

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SBB

From what you have seen in camp, what's your order for return guys?

It seems that in Chicago, they have the worst of both worlds with Devin Hester. A bad receiver who no longer is a dynamic returner.

If Tate is the best, is it too much to expect full time return duties and #3 receiver or return duties and a #3A/B role?

As a Kent State guy, does it look like Edelman could go "Josh Cribbs". Returner with creative touches and some slot work?

Because all of that happened along time ago, Warner and Holt haven't played together since '01. Holt is not the same same player he was then. Yeah can still run patterns, but he has lost more than one step and there have been questions in camp about if he can still get separation.

If Tate plays half as well in games as he has in camp, Holt will not see the field very much.

SSDD

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Are you going on his numbers the last two years to make this statement? You do realise he was in Jacksonville last year with David Garrard where no receiver broke 900 yards? And the season before that he was in St. Louis and led the Rams with 800 yards on a terrible team?

The "Sam Aiken Experience" late last sason was proof enough that the Pats need another legit outside threat opposite Moss, and Tate has the talent excel in the role. Rookie Taylor Price is projected to be the fifth receiver, with Julian Edelman handling a jack-of-all-trades role as the No. 4. The squeeze is on for Torry Holt's roster spot.
Source: ESPN Boston + Rotoworld.com

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All good news and as I expected going into camp. Tate is more of a #3 than Edelman and Julian will be splitting some time with Wes anyways early in the season so this makes sense.

Aiken sure looks the part running up field but that's about it ... running up field. I hope he sticks around though ... guys like him are valuable as the season rolls along.

All good news and as I expected going into camp. Tate is more of a #3 than Edelman and Julian will be splitting some time with Wes anyways early in the season so this makes sense.

Aiken sure looks the part running up field but that's about it ... running up field. I hope he sticks around though ... guys like him are valuable as the season rolls along.

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As what? Chum? I won't be sad to see him go. They can find someone else to work ST's, and Tate/Price/Edelman/Holt...well, does it really need to be said? If its questioned whether we keep those four, this guy is a dead man walking.